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Phillies bats have been dormant of late

Phillies bats have been dormant of late

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By Todd Zolecki
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MLB.com |

CHICAGO -- There has been plenty of talk about pitching this week in Chicago.

Pedro Martinez makes his Phillies debut Wednesday night against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, and Jamie Moyer is not happy about it. He has been sent to the bullpen, saying the Phillies misled him in the offseason during contract negotiations when they indicated he would remain in the rotation.

But while there is plenty to discuss regarding the rotation, there is plenty to talk about regarding Philadelphia's offense, too.

The Phillies entered Tuesday's series opener against the Cubs, averaging 2.91 runs per game since July 28. That's the lowest average in baseball. They have hit .230 overall, which is second-worst in the Majors behind only the Reds (.193). They have hit .165 with runners in scoring position, which is the worst mark in baseball.

The offense, more than anything, is why the Phillies enter Wednesday's game just 4-8 in their previous 12 games.

Pitching matchupPHI: RHP Pedro Martinez (0-0, -.-- ERA)
Martinez, signed to a prorated $2 million contract last month, will make his Phillies debut. Moyer, whose 40 wins since 2006 leads the Phillies, has been moved to the bullpen. Martinez, 37, has not pitched in the Majors since last season with the Mets. He went 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA (seven earned runs in 12 1/3 innings) and 16 strikeouts in three Minor League rehab appearances.

CHC: RHP Jeff Samardzija (1-1, 6.29 ERA)
Wednesday's start against the defending World Series champion Phillies will be Samardzija's first big league start. Samardzija has compiled a 1-1 record and a 6.29 ERA in 16 appearances for the Cubs spanning 24 1/3 innings. He faced the Phillies on the road on July 21, pitching 1 2/3 innings of extra-inning ball until losing the game on a three-run homer in the 13th.

Tidbits
The Phillies optioned righty Kyle Kendrick to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for Martinez. ... Right-hander Chad Durbin joined the team. He had been on the disabled list with a strained back muscle. Durbin said he feels much better and could pitch back-to-back days immediately, if needed. ... The Phils still have four other pitchers on the DL, excluding Martinez: right-hander Brett Myers (strained right hip), left-hander Antonio Bastardo (strained left shoulder), left-hander J.C. Romero (strained right forearm) and right-hander Clay Condrey (strained left oblique).